Recalling the iconic design of BMW’s Z8 of a decade ago, the 2012 Z4 is as practical for the winter as it is passionate in the summer months

By Zack Spencer, Vancouver Sun

Originally published: March 14, 2012

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The Scoop

Regular readers of these pages will know that last week we featured the first half of the New Car Dealer’s Foundation Dream Car Lottery grand prize, the 2012 BMW X5 diesel.

This week we highlight the second half of the grand prize, the sleek and sexy 2012 BMW Z4. Tickets are on sale now and will be available until the last day of the Vancouver International Auto Show at BC Place on April 8.

The idea of giving two cars away instead of one appeals to a lot of people as the X5 is a luxurious, yet practical family vehicle, while this Z4 is all about passion and performance.

Basically, you get the best of both worlds. The Z4 features a split personality as it has a retractable hardtop for top-up security and warmth, and at the flick of a button, top-down open-air driving.

The Skin

With this latest Z4, BMW got the styling absolutely right. The reason I mention the “latest” Z4 is the last model was designed with sharper angles and awkward details that never really looked cohesive. The new Z4 is everything a roadster owner could ever want in a low-slung car. I can clearly remember seeing this car in person when it was unveiled for the first time at the Detroit Auto Show. Jaw-dropping is not an understatement. Each line flows from one feature of the car to another, with a long nose and short rear trunk deck, evoking sports roadsters of yesteryear. Sexy, classy, sporty and expensive are all great words to describe the Z4. It could be said that the Z4 draws some features from the very exclusive and limited BMW Z8 sold roughly 10 years ago.

The Cockpit

For those that don’t know, take some time and look online for pictures of the Z8 roadster, one of my all-time favourite designs from BMW.

As mentioned, this Z4 pulls nicely from this iconic model and this is most true on the interior. The three-spoke steering wheel, rotary-dial heat controls and a splash of brushed aluminum all remind me of the Z8. Unlike a car from 10 years ago, however, this Z4 is fully capable of smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth audio, satellite radio and other features never dreamed of a decade ago. The seats are comfortable and supportive but low to the ground, and provide one of the best views in the business — the long hood stretching out ahead of the driver.

You feel like you are sitting inside a bullet ready to be fired. With the roof up, the interior is cosy, but outward visibility is still good.

With the touch of a button the trunk opens up and swallows the retractable hardtop in seconds.

The Ride

The Z4 is built in the classic roadster design, with the driver sitting just in front of the rear wheels. This is a big part of the car’s sex appeal and helps provide the great view out the front window, but it also produces a unique driving experience.

When entering corners, the Z4 feels like it is leading the driver through the corner.

The rear suspension delivers added information to the driver, while under acceleration, the push from the back end is intoxicating.

With 260 horsepower from an in-line 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine, there is no lack of power, plus the driver can choose added sport and sport plus settings, which provide a more sensitive throttle and transmission shifts.

Acceleration is instant due to light body structure, yet the Z4 is just as easy to drive in the city as it is on the open road.

Potential buyers should try the Z4 with optional 300hp and 335hp motors along with bigger wheels to find the right balance of power, handling and comfort.

The Good, The Bad

Good: Sexy, dead sexy!

Bad: As the spokesman, I’m not allowed to buy a ticket!

Zack’s verdict

It is hard to imagine, but there was a time, just over 20 years ago, when there were no roadsters available on the market.

The Mazda Miata single-handedly resurrected the roadster market when it was introduced, but it has been luxury brands like BMW who have pushed the modern roadster to new levels.

Today, Z4 buyers have the comfort of a retractable hardtop, the amenities that all BMWs deliver, plus the efficient power that a modern engine is capable of delivering. The Z4 is happy on a rainy day with the roof up, but when the sun breaks out, just hit that button, turn on the seat warmers and enjoy some British Columbia fresh air.

If you buy a ticket and win the Dream Car Lottery, this Z4 could be yours along with an X5 diesel. Start dreaming …